Chapter 16: Chapter 6 Curse Prohibition, Tiger Demon Covering_3
"You... don't mind?"
An Zhizhen lifted her ink-dark, jade-like eyes carefully as she asked.
"Wouldn't you think I'm some sort of freak?"
"Of course not."
Cen Dongsheng touched his nose. He must say, the woman who usually prided herself on being a mature and reliable elder sister, suddenly behaving in such a coquettish manner, had made him feel a bit smitten...
...and also a little frightened, considering she was that An Zhizhen.
Seeing his affirmative attitude, Sister Zhi Zhen seemed able to accept it. She let out a small sigh of relief, then casually pushed her suitcase into the room and locked the door.
"Don't you need to throw it away?"
"No, it's fine, just leave it there for now."
After closing the door, An Zhizhen turned around, smiling at her, and then she noticed that the appearance of the boy next door had changed a bit from before.
She instinctively stepped back and had to tilt her head up just to meet Cen Dongsheng's eyes squarely.
"Dongsheng, have you..."
An Zhizhen hesitated, seemingly in disbelief.
His muscular physique wasn't apparent under clothing, especially since Cen Dongsheng had specifically worn a baggy long-sleeve shirt to hide his build before going out; however, the change in his height was hard to conceal; it was hard not to notice someone you used to look down to see but now had to look up to.
"Have you gotten taller? And a bit... bulkier?"
"A little, yes. I've been exercising lately, and it's normal for people to grow during their growth period."
Cen Dongsheng mumbled his way through the conversation.
As long as he could find a place to explain the situation to An Zhizhen, she would understand.
Yes, what was termed "taking it a step further" simply meant... he was planning to come clean!
From his observations, Sister Zhi Zhen hadn't shown signs of awakening her powers yet. According to future records, she and her forces would only rise to the world stage about a year later.
But Cen Dongsheng felt he could definitely advance that timeline, with their current relationship coupled with some follow-up guidance, he could at least secure the position of Minister of Dragon once An Zhizhen established the Governance Bureau.
Of course, that was the fallback plan he had come up with in the past. After unexpectedly getting a lead on the Special Grade Curse Prohibition in his "newbie phase," Cen Dongsheng's ambition had begun to "inflate" somewhat; he had to admit, he indeed wanted more.
The path was exceptionally arduous and the hopes slim. His current starting point was still quite inferior to that of people like An Zhizhen, who naturally had the Special Grade Life Prohibition...
But having the chance to live again, if given the opportunity, he still very much wanted to see the view from the summit.
However, no matter what, even if Cen Dongsheng had his own goals and pursuits, it was equally necessary to remain on good terms with An Zhizhen.
Right when he was about to propose a time and place to come clean, An Zhizhen spoke up first.
"Are you here to see me?"
"Hm? Yes, that's right..."
"Then great, let's go together."
Saying this, she turned and left.
Cen Dongsheng followed her, a bit puzzled, walking through a cramped corridor stacked with pots, pans, and wet clothing, descending the stairs plastered with small ads, and finally arriving at a room situated in a quiet corner.
Rusty iron bars, chipped paint on wooden doors, dry mugwort hanging over the doorframe, and half-peeled Spring Festival couplets drooping down.
"Granny Lin, I'm here."
An Zhizhen knocked on the door, very politely.
After patiently waiting outside for a while, a trembling figure pushed the door open. The old woman with reading glasses squinted and surveyed the two people at the door, finally recognizing An Zhizhen's face, her wrinkled countenance smoothing out.
"Doctor An, you've come... I'm so sorry to bother you again."
"It's no problem."
Sister Zhen turned her head to him with a smile, saying,
"I'm going to give Granny Lin a health checkup. Also, I've heard Granny Lin plans to move soon, so I thought I'd help pack some things, is that okay?"
"...Yeah, sure."
Cen Dongsheng nodded slightly.
Though it was different from his plan, he had no intention of refusing An Zhizhen's request.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone